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To Be vs Being Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To be (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to be" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to be a successful entrepreneur.

Being (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "being" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Being kind to others is important.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To be (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To be or not to be, that is the question.

    To be or not to be, that is the question.

    • "*To be*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the question).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to be her partner in the project.

    She wants me to be her partner in the project.

    • "Me *to be* her partner in the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to be* her partner in the project).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a car to be reliable.

    He needs a car to be reliable.

    • "*To be* reliable" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a car *to be* reliable).

Being (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Being punctual shows respect for others' time.

    Being punctual shows respect for others' time.

    • "*Being* punctual" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (shows) + noun phrase (respect for others' time).
  • 2Object

    She enjoys being part of a team.

    She enjoys being part of a team.

    • "*Being* part of a team" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*being* part of a team).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a fear of being judged.

    He has a fear of being judged.

    • "Of *being* judged" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *being* judged).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

They plan to be at the party on time.

I hope to be successful in my career.

She wants to be the best version of herself.

He decided to be more assertive in meetings.

We agreed to be honest with each other.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy being outdoors in nature.

Experts recommend being proactive in problem-solving.

She avoids being late for appointments.

Can you imagine being a famous actor?

He is considering being a volunteer at the local shelter.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to be a doctor. I would like being a doctor.

They started to be more environmentally conscious. They started being more environmentally conscious.

We began to be friends in high school. We began being friends in high school.

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